The Hideaways Club
March 17, 2009 by susan · Leave a Comment
In these challenging financial times when investment and deposit accounts are producing a very low return what do you do with your money?
Fractional ownership is fast becoming acknowledged as the logical and financially astute way of investing in high-end luxury products while giving owners the opportunity of mid to long term capital growth.
The Hideaways Club is Europe’s premier fractional ownership property company offering its members exclusive usage and equity ownership of an entire portfolio of stunning villas, chalets and other magnificent properties at a fraction of the cost of sole ownership.
Members investment is safeguarded and protected through robust corporate governance and top class advisors like Deloitte. The Club’s sound financials are based on purchases being predominantly equity based and the Club being able to take advantage of current markets. Members enjoy the potential investment growth of their diversified portfolio across a wide range of locations, making this the most
compelling and financially astute way to own overseas property.
In addition, whenever members want to use any of their properties they enjoy a hassle free and luxurious lifestyle as their private concierge organizes everything for them, all at a fraction of the cost what equivalent ownership and usage of just one property would cost.
Founded in 2006 and launched in early 2007 by a group of highly experienced international entrepreneurs and investors, members of the Club enjoy the use of a portfolio of properties in beautiful locations that offer a luxurious lifestyle and a solid investment. Members currently have access to ‘their’ multi-million euro properties in France, Italy, Majorca, Morocco, Switzerland, Spain, Turkey and Portugal. This year, properties in Croatia, Mauritius and Malaysian Borneo will be added to the Club’s portfolio with further being added
each year until it reaches its target of 100 properties in more than 30 locations.
All Hideaways Club properties are located in areas that are renowned for their beauty and accessibility and are luxuriously furnished with great care and attention being paid to the smallest details. One of the major benefits of membership is that it removes all the hassles, hidden expenses and uncertainty associated with booking a holiday and all members are looked after by the Club’s own concierge service to ensure a totally relaxing, enjoyable and stress-free experience.
Commenting on the Hideaways Club Stephen Wise, co-founder and CEO said, “The positive outstanding testimonials from our members confirmed our belief that the club is not just a financially astute way to own and use overseas properties but also provides the means to enjoy memorable holiday experiences. Members benefit from the capital growth in the value of the entire portfolio whilst enjoying relaxing holidays in amazing locations all organised by the club’s local concierge. This is proving to be a very attractive proposition.”
JOINING THE CLUB
In order to join the Club members purchase a share in The Property Holding Company with the entry cost varying according to the membership chosen. This means that each member owns a share of the whole portfolio of properties at any point in time. The Hideaways Club, through its concierge service, organises the bookings of the properties and deals with all aspects of maintenance including repairs, pool and garden upkeep, local taxes, concierge and daily maid service, all of which are covered by an Annual Cost
Contribution (ACC).
Use of the Club’s properties is based on a points system depending on when members book their time with a choice of Priority, Peak, Mid Peak or Off Peak periods. Members, through paying the ACC, receive points that typically allow for some four to six weeks of holidays per year for a Premium share and both Premium and Lifestyle members can purchase additional points ensuring they will have complete flexibility. In addition they will have the option of buying additional points if they want to use the properties more
frequently and all can be used independently by their families, friends and colleagues. There are no fixed allocations and members can use any of the properties as and when they choose subject to some booking conditions.
Holiday Times Destination Points
One Week: Priority 30
One Week: Peak 30
One Week: Mid peak 25
One Week: Off peak 20
THE PROPERTIES
All Club properties are primarily detached with an average value of around Euros 1.5 to 2 million with some in excess of that. Each home has an average floor space in excess of 250 square metres with a minimum of four to five bedrooms, three bathrooms, private gardens and swimming pools where appropriate. Some properties are considerably larger and the portfolio also includes ski chalets and the next stage will include city apartments. International interior designers have created a sumptuous environment of informal luxury that provides tranquillity and peace of mind. All properties have impressive audio visual and media specifications that include Plasma flat screen TV, film library, integrated iPod system, Broadband internet and top of the range kitchens and equipment. In addition each property is fully equipped for families with children with a range of toys, DVD’s, tableware and others for children to make them feel immediately at home.
CONCIERGE SERVICE
In order to further enhance the luxurious hassle-free lifestyle owners can enjoy, a UK and local based concierge service will co-ordinate all reservations and supply the all important ‘inside’ information on every location in advance of departure – where to eat, what to see, the nearest beaches, the best ski runs, culture, golf courses, concerts and special annual festivals and events. The local concierge service will arrange airport transfer arrangements, if required, provide a starter grocery box and can organise additional
services such as personal chefs, security, wine tastings, in-house cooking classes, yoga sessions in the villa, chauffeurs, light lunches being prepared or grocery shopping being done for members – they will also co-ordinate a range of services such as setting up golf, skiing, spa treatment reservations and tickets to local operas, theatres and festivals, all of which can be tailored to suit individual requirements. Also available is a childcare service to help ensure a smooth and most memorable family holiday.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Given high demand and interest, The Club has already sold all membership shares that have been made available for issuance and are targeting over 100 membership shares sold by the turn of the year 2008/9.
Since its inception 16 properties have been purchased, 13 of which are currently available for use by members with more imminently expected.
Over the past 12 months members have already taken over 200 trips to Club properties and their enthusiastic testimonials speak for themselves.
The wonderful experience members have had has led to a considerable number of genuine enquiries.
Indicative property valuations suggest that the property portfolio has already seen impressive composite growth in excess of 15% in the first year of operation.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Membership in The Hideaways Club provides for an exclusive and luxurious lifestyle and opens up a world of stress free ownership of a portfolio of magnificent villas in the most desirable locations in Europe and beyond – all at the fraction of the cost of owning just one villa.
Some key highlights are:
Strictly limited memberships in a private and exclusive Club.
Each member owns an equity stake in the whole portfolio and hence benefits from the growth in value: Highly capital efficient. Cost to join as a member is a fraction of the cost of buying just one villa freeing up capital to invest in other asset classes.
Maximum flexibility. Properties can be used by a member’s friend, extended family or business associates. Some points can be carried over.
Luxurious and opulent lifestyle for members with each property located in the most desirable destinations, whether for golfing, culture, skiing, beach, sun or winter activities.
High levels of availability at any given time. The lowest member to property ratio in the industry.
Personal Concierge Service to ensure hassle free and relaxing holiday experiences.
International Interior Designers have created a consistently high standard of informal luxury combined with all modern amenities.
Exit: members can exit after 3 years and, in addition to their entry cost, benefit from 80% of the capital upside between share entry and share exit value.
MEMBERSHIP
There are three types of membership available: Premium, Lifestyle and Associate:
Premium members pay an entry fee of £220,000 and an ACC of £12,000 per annum which allows them to enjoy four to six weeks per annum as part of their ACC. More usage points can be purchased, if desired.
Lifestyle members pay an entry fee of £150,000 and an ACC of £8,000 which gives them three to four weeks per annum. More usage points can be purchased, if desired. Associate members pay an entry fee of £115,000 and an ACC of £6,000 per annum which give them two to three weeks per annum. No additional points can be purchased.
NEW DESTINATIONS
Chamonix and Haute-Nendaz
The hideaways club is gearing up for the 2009 ski season by offering its members three spectacular chalets. Set in the magnificent area of Chamonix, France and Haute-Nendaz, Switzerland, the three luxurious, designer built properties offer a wide variety of skiing and snowboarding for the enthusiast. The Chamonix property can accommodate up to eight people and the two Haute-Nendaz chalets up to 10. All three are newly built to the Club’s exacting standards in the traditional alpine style and have fabulous panoramic views of the valleys below. The Haute-Nendaz properties, with ski-in, ski-out facilities, offer over 412 km of pistes and 92 ski lifts thus ensuring minimum queuing time, and the Chamonix area is world renowned
for its high altitude skiing, pristine slopes and stunning views of the Monc Blanc massif.
Croatia
The luxurious villa is being built on a 1080sq m site on Brac Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Dalmation Coast, and will be ready for use in July 09. Located near the North-West harbour town of Sutivan, the villa will be surrounded by stunning countryside which encompasses rolling hills dotted with olive groves, vineyards and mandarin orchards and the villa itself will be close to pristine beaches and calm, inviting blue waters. The celebrated Croatian architect Darko Luger, father of former England and Saracens rugby player Daniel Luger, has been drafted in to deliver a spacious four bedroom villa complete with a 10
metre swimming pool surrounded by luscious landscaped gardens.
Mauritius
Hideaways Club has purchased a substantial site on the beautiful Indian Ocean Island of Mauritius on which to build a luxurious four bedroom villa. The villa will be designed in the traditional plantation Veranda Style and is located at the south western end of this stunning island. It will provide luxurious accommodation for up to eight people and is surrounded by glorious countryside and great sea views. The resort offers a variety of amenities which include a top class 18 hole golf course, tennis courts, gym and spa, beach club and high quality bars and restaurants. The villa will be ready for use at the end of 2009.
Borneo
South East Asia is the latest addition with the purchase of a prime area of beachfront property on beautiful Malaysian Borneo, one of the most diverse destinations in the world. Located on a 6km stretch of pristine and private coastline at the northern tip of the country the villa will be part of the exclusive Kudat Riviera resort. Blessed with idyllic white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, private coves, hilltops and valleys, Kudat Riviera is the ultimate private luxury villa estate hideaway in South East Asia.
Sitting in 2.5 acres of its own private manicured gardens that include a natural stone swimming pool, the villa will be built of natural materials throughout offering accommodation for up to eight people in four large double bedrooms. Guests will also have use of the resorts facilities which include a hilltop panoramic spa and restaurant, a beach club restaurant, a floating restaurant and spa, scuba and snorkel diving and, for families with young children, a kids club. For the more adventurous trips to local tropical islands, helicopter and yacht charters are available along with excursions into the spectacular rain forests in the area rich in wildlife, flora and fauna. The Hideaways Club villa is scheduled to be operational by the autumn 2009.
Stephen Wise
Founder, Investor and CEO
After working as a senior management consultant at Bain and Company in the late ‘80s, Stephen has since set up and managed a number of different successful businesses, including QMS, which was originally formed in 1993 and became a leading organiser of technology exhibitions and conferences and Networks Direct, another technology business. He has a Masters from the London Business School, and an MBA from IMD in Switzerland.
Perspective Magazine – March 2009
March 16, 2009 by Perspective Magazine | Leisure Property | Fractional Ownership | Timeshare · Leave a Comment
After looking at jets last month, it’s now the turn of fractional yachts and in our first of two reviews on this subject (next one in April edition) you can read about Monacle Yachts who offer floating palaces where liabilities such as insurance, repairs or maintenance are left on shore. We also welcome Robb & Stucky to our pages for the first time. Since their beginnings in 1915 in Fort Myers, Florida, Robb & Stucky has evolved to become one of the largest high-end furniture retailers in North America and we hear of their expansion internationally into the hospitality and resort industries.
This month’s A-List features an exclusive interview with Jim Lewis, President of Disney Vacation Development, Inc. on Disney Vacation Club’s most far-reaching expansion to date and the company’s new relationship with exchange giant RCI.
Plus another visit to the growing fractional ownership industry as we feature The Hideaways Club, Europe’s premier fractional ownership property company which offers its members exclusive usage and equity ownership of an entire portfolio of stunning villas, chalets and other magnificent properties at a fraction of the cost of sole ownership.
Later this month we travel to the ARDA Convention in Orlando and to the Fractional Summit London in April. If you are attending and would like to book an appointment to meet with us please call +1 407 792 2343(USA) or +44 191 250 2501 (UK) or email sharon@perspectiveinternational.com
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Fractional Summit 2009 – In Association With Fractional Life
March 15, 2009 by susan · Leave a Comment
– Europe’s largest fractional property conference is back and extended to 2 days, 23 – 24 April 2009, London
With over 250 fractional professionals expected from around the world, Fractional Summit 2009 is the leading industry event bringing together key decision makers to drive the industry forward. Building on this success, the value of the event is what you learn, who you meet and the business you do.
The fractional marketplace is now one of the world’s fastest growing areas of consumer real estate, with fractional property at its core.
Having outgrown its previous venue, Fractional Summit 2009 is now extended to a 2 day event and offers a unique opportunity to meet all the key fractional property movers and shakers under one roof – making Fractional Summit an event not to be missed. This year’s theme “Fractionals: the rewards, the opportunities” explores the various different facets of the fractional property marketplace and why the European fractional property industry continues to gain marketshare despite the current downturn in whole ownership sales.
In these challenging times, never before has there been such a need to ensure you are up to date with current happenings in the fractional marketplace and the event has a distinctly global appeal.
The conference, headline sponsored by Registry Collection is jam-packed with speaker presentations and group panels from experts within the fractional marketplace worldwide.
The marketing campaign is designed to encourage potential new fractional developers and service providers to find out more and grow their knowledge. As such, the event is designed to facilitate exceptional networking opportunities, key learning and the free flowing exchange of information and ideas.
A Look Forward To This Year’s Event
“Fractionals: the rewards, the opportunities”
Keynote Speakers Include Ahead of the sales curve. The US sales explosion
• Richard Ragatz, President Ragatz Associates, USA
Many UK and European consumer purchasing trends tend to follow those experienced in the USA. Richard presents how the US fractional real estate marketplace exploded from zero to $2.3 billion dollar sales annually. Richard also comments on the challenges the marketplace has to face and makes some informed predictions about how he expects the European marketplace to grow in the future.
11:30 Panel Discussion: Fractional hotspots – so what’s happening worldwide and how the European marketplace is growing?
Panel:
• Gregg Anderson, Vice President, Global Product Management, Registry Collection USA
• Thys Geyser, Fractional Consulting Services, South Africa
• Jerry Cobb, CEO, FOC (Fractional Ownership Consultancy)
• Claude Attala, Global Managing Director, Northcouse Advisory Services, Middle East, United Arab Emirates
• Gary Moore, Project Director, Timbers Resorts and Castello di Casole
• Peter Kempf, CEO, Managing Director Europe, DCP International
• Moderator: Rupert Bates, Editorial Director, Homes Overseas Magazine
How to convert traditional real estate into Fractional Ownership
Nick Turner, Registry Collection
In these challenging economic times many developers are now faced with increasing inventories and competition from a growing number of destinations. Nick’s presentation provides answers to the following questions:
- What are the basic principles of fractional?
- What types of development are most suitable for conversion to fractional ownership?
- What are the main benefits of converting to fractional ownership?
- Which destination markets/case studies best illustrate the benefits of conversion to fractional?
- What additional costs should developers consider?
- How can they make such projects appeal to the fractional market?
- How does fractional differ legally in different countries?
Multilingual SEO / SEM and the opportunities it presents
• Greig Holbrook, Director, OBAN Multilingual
In these challenging times, many companies are using web marketing to drive fractional sales from a truly global basis to maximise ROI. Over 70% of internet users do not have English as a first language and they collectively represent over 900 million users who have hugely different search behaviours to us.
As the fractional ownership marketplace grows worldwide, Greig presents on the opportunities that lie in search marketing and how best to approach each market that is covered.
Finance for Fractionals
We are joined by a top European fractional financing professional who lends funds to both fractional property developers and consumers in today’s marketplace. The speaker gives an overview of the current banking situation, the assessment criteria he uses and the reasoning behind why he continues to lend in today’s challenging marketplace.
Panel Discussion: – Capturing the high net worth European fractional consumer and connecting with different cultures.
• Lucy Russell, Managing Director, Quintessentially Estates
• Jonathan Breeze, CEO, Jet Republic
• Stephen Wise, Founder and CEO, The Hideaways Club
• Piers Brown, Founder, Fractional Life
The Conference concludes with the industry Fractional Life Awards presentation and is definitely an event not to be missed!
The Middle East Vacation Ownership Pioneers
March 15, 2009 by susan · Leave a Comment
Established in 1999, Arabian Falcon Holidays is today the largest independent timeshare sales and marketing company in the Middle East. The company has thousands of satisfied vacation owners spread primarily throughout the MENA region.
Led by its Chairman, Al Mohannad Sharafuddin, Arabian Falcon Holidays enters its second decade of timeshare success serving the needs of developers and consumers in the Middle East and world-wide. Sharafuddin explained, “My vision was to become the premier international provider of services to the timeshare industry in the Middle East”.
On February 2nd 2009, Arabian Falcon Holidays celebrated its 10th Anniversary at the Atlantis Palm a short drive from it’s Royal Club resort. “More than a hundred staff celebrated with me”, said Sharafuddin. “ Members of our core team were with me at the start and they have helped build our success” he added.
Al Mohannad Sharafuddin, started in the timeshare industry in 1994 as sales consultant in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and rapidly achieved the position of top sales producer. Within one year he received a series of promotions to: sales supervisor, sales manager, and training manager for Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.
As a result of his management experience in the industry across the Gulf region, Al Mohannad recognized that the United Arab Emirates, and Dubai in particular, was a promising market for investment in timeshare which led him to establish Arabian Falcon Holidays.
In recognition of his success, in June 2003, Arabian Falcon Holidays was appointed the exclusive sales agent for Dubai‘s first vacation ownership resort – Royal Club at Palm Jumeirah. Arabian Falcon Holidays focus on high quality offerings, and introduction of only the very finest resorts, was inline with Dubai’s first timeshare resort on the exclusive Palm Jumeirah. In November 2003, to cope with the sales and service of Royal Club Palm Jumeirah, Arabian Falcon Holidays relocated to high quality purpose built sales office
covering a total area of more than 10,000 square feet.
The Vacation Ownership Investment Conference 2007, awarded Arabian Falcon Holidays the “Interval International Pioneer’s Excellence Award”, which summarizes the edge that Arabian Falcon has – Pioneering Vacation Ownership in the Middle East. Arabian Falcon Holidays’ worldwide exchange partner, Interval International, assures that vacationers always enjoy the same high standard of vacations, anywhere and anytime.
Arabian Falcon holidays achieved remarkable sales in 2007 and 2008 selling more than 1,000 weeks each year, with an annual turnover in excess of $ 30 million. This has called for further expansion of the organization to market and service in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Arabian Falcon Holidays has commenced operations in Riyadh, with a 700 m2, modern, comfortable and high tech sales and marketing office, and
for global extensions Arabian Falcon Holidays is branded as “Arabian Falcon International”.
Sharafuddin served as a key member of the industry working group established to work alongside the Dubai Government on proposed Timeshare Legislation.
Dubai – A Vacationer’s Paradise
From a collection of small villages on the shores of Dubai Creek, historically one of the Arabian Gulf foremost trading centers; Dubai is now one of the most modern cities in the world. Her iconic building developments command world attention. The innovative and visionary leadership, – in particular His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai – has produced a remarkable city.
Two of the most ambitious endeavors are now landmarks of Dubai. They are projects of global distinction, enhancing Dubai’s place on the world stage:
- The Palm Jumeirah as the Eighth Wonder of the World
- Burj Dubai, the tallest building in the world.
With a scope and scale unparalleled anywhere else, the growth of Dubai has resulted in an economy that embraces much more than oil revenues. The world’s fastest growing economic sector – Travel and Tourism – is a primary focus of Dubai.
An unpolluted marine environment and beautiful beaches are within easy reach of this vibrant city. And the majority of holiday accommodation is less than 30 minutes drive from Dubai International Airport, home of Emirates Airline another award winning enterprise. Dubai offers pristine sun drenched beaches, world class golf courses, prominent shopping districts and exciting nightlife.
Attractions for visitors and include Dubai’s annual hosting of several major international sporting events held at international standard sporting facilities. There are superb golf courses, two of which have played host to the Dubai Desert Classic, one of the European tours most prolific golfing events attracting the
biggest names in golf including Tiger Woods and Ernie Els. The Dubai World Cup, the “Richest Horse Race” in the world, The Dubai Open tennis tournament and the offshore powerboat races provide an exciting year round calendar of events.
Enthusiasts will find a wide choice of first class recreational facilities such as paragliding, jet skiing, scuba diving and windsurf, to name a few. Dubai’s Duty Free is renowned, and with exceptional shopping facilities spread throughout the city and over thirty modern malls, Dubai offers a world of choice and with its vast gold & Diamond market has been aptly dubbed ‘Dubai- The City of Gold’
Arabian Falcon Holidays, the Vacation Ownership pioneers of the Middle East, has introduced two resorts that integrate pleasure and guarantee five star quality family vacations.
1. Royal Club at Palm Jumeirah
2. Royal Club at Downtown Dubai
Royal Club at Palm, Jumeirah
Located on the 8th Wonder of the World, The Palm Jumeirah, Royal Club features the shore on the door step. This collection of 50 apartments are opulent fully furnished 1 or 2 bedroom spacious suites offering all amenities.
Designed to be a home away from home for vacationers, Royal Club at Palm Jumeirah is the stuff of wonderful memories. The spacious apartments are bright, beautiful and thoroughly contemporary.
Every detail has been considered and every corner has its magic. Natural fabrics, comfortable soft furnishings, an inviting dining area and stylish kitchen create an ambience which puts the resident at
ease in a heartbeat.
Bedrooms offer fine linens, subtle lighting and picture window outlooks. Bathrooms –with an en-suite to the master bedroom – are elegantly appointed. A discreet daily cleaning service keeps the apartment immaculate. Large plasma screen televisions with DVD players and a superb stereo system provide instant entertainment. High speed Internet access is provided and first class sports and recreation facilities are at the doorstep, including an infinity swimming pool, diving centre, gymnasium and a great children’s playground. From the kitchen appliances to the artwork, everything has been carefully selected to enhance the time guests spend at Royal Club. And all this before the unique location is considered – The Palm Jumeirah
Location
Immaculate beaches stretch along fifty kilometers of coastline where one of Dubai ‘s most prestigious residential and vacation areas is located – The Palm Jumeirah.
The fifty residences of Royal Club at Palm Jumeirah are within the Shoreline Apartments, which line the trunk of this extraordinary palm shaped island.
The Palm Jumeirah has fast become world famous. Its five kilometer diameter offers an abundance of restaurants, air-conditioned shopping malls, cinemas, entertainment centers and sports facilities.
Royal Club at Palm Jumeirah is 25 km from the centre of Dubai and approximately 40 minutes drive from Dubai International Airport .
The Palm Jumeirah Monorail, the first in the Middle East, will open during the second quarter of 2009. With a budget of US$400 million the monorail line will cover 5.45 kilometres and eventually connect the
Palm with the Dubai Metro Red line.
Royal Club at Downtown Dubai
The prime location in Downtown Dubai, amidst the soaring heights of The Burj, breathtaking skyline views and luxurious surroundings highlight some of the trendy guest rooms. Located in the heart of the Dubai, Royal Club Downtown is situated in close proximity to the business, shopping, and entertainment districts, as well as top attractions, including the Dubai Mall, world’s largest mall and The Burj, the world’s tallest building.
Royal Club at Downtown Dubai, which are a collection of 100 apartments, promise the height of city chic in an unbeatable urban location. Contained within twenty floors of the stunning Hydra Downtown Tower, Royal Club at Downtown Dubai exemplifies metropolitan lifestyle, enhanced by its proximity to the city’s commercial district and to its premier position within the heart of Downtown Burj Dubai.
The generously proportioned 1, 2 and 3 -bedroomed apartments – just five to each floor – offer gourmet kitchens, sleek appointments, top-of the-range appliances and an ultra modern living experience.
Restaurants and high-end retail outlets are on site, together with a swimming pool, gymnasium and children’s play area.
Clean contours and accent colors create a sophisticated environment, with floor-to-ceiling windows adding to the feeling of space and light. There are spectacular views by day and an outlook to thousands of twinkling lights by night. Residents enjoy high-speed Internet access, plasma screen television and an excellent entertainment centre; relaxing in understated elegance or entertaining in style – the residents will feel at home.
Location
Within 400 metres of the largest shopping mall in the world, The Dubai Mall, and with views of the world’s tallest building, Burj Dubai, Royal Club at Downtown Dubai enjoys an exceptional location. Royal Club at Downtown Dubai is approximately 20 minutes drive from Dubai International Airport.
Sharafuddin said he is looking forward to the next ten years with new markets opened up by Dubai Tourism and the continued expansion of Emirates Airline. Arabian Falcon high end offerings; Royal Club at Palm Jumeirah and Royal Club at Downtown Dubai offer vacation owners a chance to stay in one of the world’s most distinct areas. To market the resorts globally and reach a more extensive client base, Arabian Falcon Holidays welcomes the opportunity to connect with agencies worldwide. For inquiries regarding the setting up a sales agency and agent relationships, the Chairman and CEO, Al Mohannad Sharafuddin, can be contacted via email: mohannad@arabianfalcon.com
Perspective’s A LIST – Jim Lewis
March 10, 2009 by susan · Leave a Comment
An exclusive interview with Jim Lewis, president of Disney Vacation Development, Inc., on Disney Vacation Club’s most far-reaching expansion to date and the company’s new relationship with exchange giant RCI. Interviewed by Matt McDaniel in February 2009.
Perspective
Thanks for taking the time to talk with us today. A lot has happened with Disney Vacation Club since the last time we spoke. Could you fill us in on the details of your latest projects?
Jim
Disney Vacation Club is celebrating the opening of three resort properties in Florida and our first West Coast resort in California in 2009.
Let me begin with Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas. Members who call Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas “home” live their very own true-life adventure in a setting inspired by the intrepid explorers and historic expeditions of 19th century Africa. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas encompasses two African-inspired buildings: Jambo House, which has two floors devoted to DVC accommodations, and Kidani Village, scheduled to open in fall 2009.
Kidani Village is planned to encompass an entirely new building of Disney Vacation Club villas, complete with its own pool, waterplay area, restaurant, merchandise shop, fitness center, expanded animal savanna and more. All of the accommodations, both in the existing Jambo House and in the new Kidani Village, blend home-like amenities with African-inspired details, and most offer sweeping savanna views.
Next is the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The Treehouse Villas are scheduled to open in summer 2009, and will become the next room category offered at that resort. Nestled in natural forest glens just around the river bend from the bustling Downtown Disney area, the Treehouse Villas will
be the ultimate in glamorous camping or “glamping.”
Also at Walt Disney World is Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The 15-story Bay Lake Tower, scheduled to join the Disney Vacation Club family of properties in fall 2009, is designed to complement the fabled styling of the original building. Beyond mimicking the color palette and strong horizontal lines of its iconic predecessor, the tower’s crescent shape, hugging lush landscaping, planned recreation options and
a lakeside pool, promises to deliver some of the most dramatic views available anywhere at the Walt Disney World Resort. Some villas face scenic, undeveloped stretches of Bay Lake, while others offer spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom Park, located a short walk away.
At the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Scheduled to open in fall 2009, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will add 50 two-bedroom equivalent vacation villas to the 2.5-acre expansion of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and mark Disney Vacation Club’s first venture into California and the Disneyland Resort.
Most vacation villas will include kitchens, living and dining areas, and other home-like amenities while reflecting the same California Arts & Crafts architecture of the existing hotel, which immerses guests in a turn-ofthe-20th-century California experience. We also just broke ground on a 21-acre oceanfront property at the Ko Olina Resort & Marina on Oahu, Hawaii. It is scheduled to open in 2011 with 350 hotel rooms and 480 Disney Vacation Club timeshare villas.
Perspective
Disney Vacation Club has been very popular at the Walt Disney World Resort; do you see the same popularity occurring at Disneyland?
Jim
Like most Disney fans, our members have great affection for the original Disney vacation destination, and we’re thrilled that The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will allow our members to call the Disneyland Resort “home” for the first time.
Perspective
It seems the most successful resorts have been at Disney parks; what is the plan to make the resort in Hawaii a success?
Jim
This is our first family, mixed-use destination resort outside of our theme parks. We’ve worked with local architects and cultural experts to design a resort that celebrates Hawaiian customs and traditions. We plan to have a magnificent feature pool with family-friendly tubes and water slides, a saltwater snorkel lagoon and custom-planned activities for kids – just to name a few things.
Perspective
Those resorts should translate into lots of new member families for Disney Vacation Club. Tell me about the new New York sales center.
Jim
Our second Disney’s Doorway to Dreams location will be at Roosevelt Field on Long Island and is scheduled to open this summer. It will be designed to create a fun and immersive experience that goes beyond featuring model accommodations and with plans that include an interactive family vacation discovery zone, comfortable discussion areas and a supervised children’s play area all within its approximately 6,900
square feet of retail space.
Perspective
Exchange is so important for timeshare owners today. Why the switch from Interval to RCI?
Jim
Each year Disney Vacation Club reviews the Member Getaways portfolio and the value each exchange has for members. We attempt to ensure that exchange opportunities provide members with diverse, unforgettable vacation experiences at popular destinations which offer great value to their membership.
Through our new relationship with RCI, members will have a broader range of resort experiences and length
of stay options. This new relationship provides our members with enhanced flexibility and more experiential
diversity than ever before.
Additionally, members will have more nightly exchanges in the World Passport Collection than have been
available in the past. Members will also have some more limited opportunities at 16 fractional resorts.
Perspective
What is it like working with RCI Group President and Chief Executive Officer Geoff Ballotti and his team?
Jim
It’s been a pleasure working with Geoff and his team. Group RCI has the management depth, technology
resources and global marketing infrastructure to align with Disney Vacation Club’s strategic growth plan. They have been attentive to our members and we are getting very positive feedback on RCI’s service.
Monocle Yachts Let Owners “Live the Dream”
March 5, 2009 by susan · Leave a Comment
The high seas have long beckoned adventurous souls. For those who heed the call, water is the blood that runs through their veins. Over time, the boating experience has changed, as new technologies have developed. Today’s seafarers and captains can roam the seas in floating palaces.
Floating palaces where liabilities such as insurance, repairs or maintenance are left on shore. Traveling the waters of your choice, in the luxury of your own yacht without the headaches and costs of sole yacht ownership. “In our present economic environment, fractional ownership represents excellent value,” said Dr. Loren Simkowitz, Director of Operations, Monocle Yachts. “Owners want stress free vacations, floating in the lap of luxury with all amenities onboard.”
Monocle became the pioneer of fractional yacht ownership when they unveiled their program in 2001. The concept of fractional yacht ownership is to take the last hassle out of luxury yacht ownership – the wasted time that a yacht sits waiting for its owner – and in the process they created a new business model. Owners buy the portion of the yacht that they will use and in the process buy a portion of an asset that offers tax benefits and also has resale value. Monocle’s fractional yacht ownership program comes with high standards of management and also provides an opportunity for people to enter the world of luxury yachts and to have pride of ownership. Eight years later Monocle represents all of the major yacht manufacturers around the world and have the largest fractional fleet in the world with offices in South America, Dubai, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia.
“Monocle started with the vision of enjoyable yachting. We eliminated the aggravations of luxury yacht ownership for our clients by handling all of the daily tasks of managing a luxury asset from selecting the best crew members, to searching for the lowest prices on fuel, through to stocking our clients’ ships with everything from cheesecake to champagne,” said Simkowitz.
Monocle Yachts is the ultimate management company. The group works with those who want to take on partners in their own boats, they buy or they contract to build their own. All of their boats are either brand new, or brilliantly reconditioned, fully furnished pedigree yachts. The company takes care of all maintenance, repairs, supplies, insurance and provides a fully screened and highly trained, professional
crews that are compatible with the owners. The yachts are equipped with the latest electronics for television, internet and voice communications. They also provide wave runners, tenders and snorkeling equipment. The focus is on the owners and their total yachting experience.
The fractional program offers ten 10% shares of each boat. The net cost of the yacht and all expenses are divided into shares. Monocle is the only management team that does not mark up any yacht expenses, allowing owners to only pay 10¢ on the dollar. Each 10% share gives the owner two, two week periods of use in different locations, usually the Caribbean in the winter and New England/ Mediterranean during the summer months. Other favorites include the Florida Keys, Bermuda, Costa Rica, the South Pacific and Middle East. The owners become shareholders in the LLC that owns their particular yacht. Owner’s can exchange weeks on other yachts in the program throughout the world.
The Monocle Yacht fleet is comprised of 50 yachts ranging in size from 100 ft to 240 ft. The number of staterooms range from three to twenty. All include beautiful and luxurious décor as well as fine china and linens.
Yachts in the fleet include:
Casa de Mare
Length: 145’
Beam: 26’
State Rooms: 7
Cruising Waters: Caribbean
Clear Eyes
Length: 128’
Beam: 29’6”
State Rooms: 5
Cruising Waters: Caribbean, Mediterranean and South Pacific
Margaux
Length: 116’
Beam: 22’
State Rooms: 3
Location: Florida, Bahamas, New England, and the Caribbean
Ocean 105
Expedition Yacht
Powered by Diesel-Electric
Length: 105’
Beam: 28’
State Rooms: 6
Cruising Waters: Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands
Limelight
Length: 100’
Beam: 21’
State Rooms: 4
Itinerary: Caribbean (Winter), Mediterranean (Summer)
Delivery Date: Just Arrived, currently being outfitted
With the present economic climate, fractional ownership offers the best in of all worlds with regard to amenities, convenience and cost while still offering the full advantage of ownership. It is a trend that is seeing a rapid increase and has dispelled negatives that in the past have been attached to the time
share concept.
“We believe our current growth rate will actually accelerate despite the global economic slowdown. We both attract new people to yachting and retain a core group of experienced clients who want a more responsible approach to luxury yacht ownership. But we are also seeing signs of cross-over from other luxury
business lines and industries. People who have previously purchased vacation properties or high-end timeshares are attracted to the Monocle Fractional Yacht Program because of the luxury, variety, and value it offers while providing equity.
People who have chartered luxury yachts for years find Monocle’s cost advantage compelling; they enjoy the use of a luxury yacht for a longer period of time at a lower
cost. We are also finding that people who already own a fractional luxury asset such as a jet understand and appreciate our business model. Finally, we are seeing some cross-over from cruise line devotees who appreciate the flexibility in scheduling ports of call without sacrificing any of the luxuries,” added Simkowitz.
Monocle Yachts is in the process of building and introducing their first cruise ship, a 100 cabin liner. For more information contact Monocle, (954) 563-5808 or visit www.monocleyachts.com
